Tie plate separator and method thereof

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of a tie plate sorter are disclosed wherein the tie plates are sorted and fed to an output device for further feeding to a tie plate distribution system. The tie plates may be oriented as needed. Exemplary methods are also provided.

CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This continuation application claims priority to and benefit of, under35 U.S.C. § 121, divisional application having U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/720,800 filed May 24, 2015, titled Tie Plate Separator andMethod Thereof, which claims priority to and benefit of, under 35 U.S.C.§ 120, continuation-in-part application having U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/657,645, filed Oct. 22, 2012, titled Tie Plate Separator andMethod Thereof, which claims priority to and benefit of, under 35 U.S.C.§ 120, all of: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/428,796, filed Mar.23, 2012, titled Tie Plate Separator and Method Thereof, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/428,809, filed Mar. 23, 2012, titled Tie PlateSeparator and Method Thereof, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/428,828, filed Mar. 23, 2012, titled Tie Plate Separator and MethodThereof, all of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

An apparatus and method is taught for separating and sorting tie platesso that the tie plates may be sequentially fed to a tie platedistribution system. More specifically, an apparatus and method aretaught for feeding a tie plate distribution system wherein the tieplates are separated and sorted mechanically rather than manuallythereby improving efficiency of a tie plate distribution process.

2. Description of the Related Art

In current tie plate distribution systems, sorting and/or separating oftie plates, including orientation of the plates, is a highly manualendeavor. Workers stand along conveyors to lift, rotate and/or orienttie plates for proper feeding location. This typically requires two menon lower output machines and as many as six men on high output or highproduction machines.

Due to labor costs and a desire to eliminate job functions where liftingor other injuries might occur, it would be desirable to automate as manyof these labor positions as possible.

Additionally, it would be desirable to increase the throughput of tieplates to increase efficiencies associated with distribution andtherefore decrease the downtime of railroad tracks during maintenanceperiods when tie plate replacement is necessary.

SUMMARY

According to at least one embodiment, a tie plate sorter assemblycomprises at least one generally cylindrical driving ring, at least onetie plate receiving side extending from adjacent the cylindrical drivingring, at least one magnet selectively operable and disposed adjacent theat least one tie plate receiving side, a tie plate input which providestie plates to the tie plate receiving side when the tie plate receivingside is in one position, a tie plate output which receives sorted tieplates from the tie plate receiving side when the tie plate receivingside is in a second position. Optionally, the at least one generallycylindrical driving ring may have a first cylindrical drive ring and asecond cylindrical drive ring. The first and second cylindrical driverings may be disposed on tires wherein at least one of the tires isrotabably driven. The tie plate sorter assembly wherein the at least oneof said tires may be driven by one of an electric or hydraulic motor.The tie plate sorter assembly wherein the one of an electric motor or ahydraulic motor is directly connected to the at least one of the tires.The tie plate sorter assembly wherein the one of an electric motor or ahydraulic motor is connected to the at least one of the tires by atransmission assembly. Optionally, the transmission assembly may be oneof a chain drive, a belt drive, a gear drive, or a hydraulictransmission. The tie plate sorter assembly further comprises a chaindrive having a drive sprocket extending about said tie plate sorter. Thetie plate sorter assembly wherein the at least one tie plate receivingside forms a geometric shape and further wherein the geometric shape maybe one of a circle, a polygon, a square, a rectangle, a quadrilateral, atrapezoid, a pentagon, a hexagon, and an octagon. The tie plate sorterassembly wherein each of the at least one tie plate receiving sidesincluding at least one magnet. The tie plate sorter assembly wherein theat least one magnet is selectively powerable. The tie plate sorterassembly further comprises a power supply and a conductor whichselectively powers the at least one magnet. The tie plate sorterassembly wherein the power supply is a metallic strip. The tie platesorter assembly wherein the conductor engages the power supply dependenton a position of the receiver.

According to at least another embodiment, a tie plate sorter assemblyfor use on a tie plate distribution vehicle capable of operation on-roadand on a railroad track, the vehicle having a bed and a crane, comprisesa tie plate receiver having a first driving ring and a second drivingring, at least one tie plate receiving side extending between the firstdriving ring and the second driving ring, the at least one tie platereceiving side substantially forming one of a circle or a polygon, atleast one driving assembly causing cyclical motion of said at least onetie plate receiving side, at least one magnet disposed adjacent the atleast one tie plate receiving side, said at least one magnet beingselectively operable, a tie plate input which delivers tie plates to thetie plate receiver, and, a tie plate output which receives the tieplates from the tie plate receiver. The tie plate sorter assemblywherein the cyclical motion is rotational. The tie plate sorter assemblywherein the cyclical motion is bi-directional. The tie plate sorterassembly wherein the tie plate input enters in a first direction. Thetie plate sorter assembly wherein the tie plate output exits in a seconddirection. The tie plate sorter assembly wherein the first direction andthe second direction are linearly aligned. The tie plate sorter assemblywherein the first and second direction are non-aligned. The tie platesorter assembly further comprises an electrical contact operablyengaging the at least one magnet. The tie plate sorter assembly whereinthe tie plate input is optionally one of a roller conveyor, a beltconveyor, a chute or a feeder.

According to a further alternative embodiments, a tie plate sorterassembly comprises a drive assembly for cyclical motion of a tie platereceiver, the tie plate receiver having at least one tie plate receivingside, at least one magnet disposed on the tie plate receiver, the magnetdisposed selectively operable based upon a position of said at least onemagnet, a tie plate input providing tie plates to the tie platereceiver, a tie plate output receiving tie plates from the tie platereceiver. The tie plate sorter assembly wherein the magnet is anelectromagnet. The tie plate sorter assembly wherein the magnet is adual pole bar magnet. The tie plate sorter assembly wherein the at leastone magnet has at least one on position and at least one off positionduring movement of said tie plate receiver. The tie plate sorterassembly further comprising guides located along the at least one tieplate receiving side. The tie plate sorter assembly further comprises acatch disposed on an inside of the tie plate receiver. The tie platesorter assembly further comprises a power supply to power the at leastone magnet.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of separating tie platescomprises driving a tie plate receiver in a cyclical manner, receivingtie plates in the tie plate receiver, moving the tie plates from a firstposition to a second position in the tie plate receiver, selectivelyreleasing the tie plates onto a discharge conveyor, moving the tieplates along the discharge conveyor. The method of separating tie plateswherein the cyclical manner is rotational. The method of separating tieplates further comprises driving the tie plate receiver in at least twodirections. The method of separating tie plates further comprisesselectively retaining the tie plates. The method of separating tieplates further comprises driving the tie plate receiver with a hydraulicassembly. The method of separating tie plates further comprises drivingthe tie plate receiver with one of a pneumatic, hydraulic or electricmotor. The method of separating tie plates further comprises rotating atleast one tire with the at least one hydraulic or electric motor. Themethod of separating tie plate further comprises receiving the tieplates at a lower position of the tie plate receiver andelectromagnetically releasing at least one of the tie plates at a higherposition of said tie plate receiver. The method of separating tie platesfurther comprises actuating an electromagnet between an on condition andan off condition. The method of separating tie plates further compriseschanging orientation of the tie plates on a discharge conveyor.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, a method of separating tieplates for feeding to a distribution conveyor comprises driving a tieplate receiver cyclically, feeding a plurality of tie plates to the tieplate receiver, moving the plurality of tie plates from a first positionto a second position during the cyclical driving, and, releasing theplurality of tie plates on to an exit conveyor at the second position.The method wherein the feeding occurs with an entrance conveyor. Themethod further comprises operating the entrance conveyor and the exitconveyor in a single direction. The method wherein the releasingcomprises powering off a magnet. The method wherein the moving comprisespowering a magnet to carry the plurality of tie plates from the firstposition to the second position. The method wherein the driving occursby at least one drive tire engaging a driven ring on the tie platereceiver.

According to an alternate embodiment, a tie plate sorter assemblycomprises a first substantially cylindrical driving ring and a secondcylindrical driving ring, at least one tie plate receiving surfaceextending between the first and second substantially cylindrical drivingrings, the at least one tie plate receiving surface having at least onepass through aperture for allowing at least one tie plate to pass froman interior of the sorter to an exterior, a retaining mechanism engagingthe at least one tie plate receiving surface for retaining the at leastone tie plate until the tie plate is released. Optionally, the tie platesorter assembly further comprises a pocket adjacent the at least onepass through aperture. The tie plate sorter assembly wherein the atleast one retaining mechanism is magnetic. The tie plate sorter assemblywherein the at least one retaining mechanism is electromagnetic. The tieplate sorter assembly wherein the at least one retaining mechanism isactuated depending on the position of the tie plate sorter. The tieplate sorter assembly wherein the at least one retaining mechanism isactuated electrically. The tie plate sorter assembly wherein the atleast one retaining mechanism is actuated mechanically.

According to a further embodiment, a tie plate sorter assembly,comprises a tie plate receiver having a first end and a second end, atleast one location for receiving tie plates into said tie platereceiver, the tie plate receiver having at least one side wherein tieplates are deposited, the tie plate receiver having at least oneaperture discharging tie plates. The tie plate sorter assembly furthercomprises a mechanical structure to engage or disengage a magnet. Themagnet may retain the tie plates in the receiver until the magnet isdisengaged. The tie plate sorter assembly further comprises anelectromagnet. The tie plate sorter assembly further comprises a pocketwherein at least one of the plurality of tie plates is seated. The tieplate sorter assembly wherein a magnet is positioned adjacent thepocket. The tie plate sorter assembly wherein the aperture is formed inthe pocket area.

According to still a further embodiment, a tie plate sorter assemblycomprises a tie plate receiver having a first end and a second end, aninput location for tie plates into the tie plate receiver, a pluralityof circumferentially spaced pockets about the receiver, a retainingmechanism located at the pocket to retain at least one of the tie platesin the pocket, an aperture in the pocket to selectively release the atleast one tie plate. The tie plate sorter assembly wherein the aperturedischarges the at least one tie plate externally of the receiver. Thetie plate sorter assembly further comprises a conveyor to receive thedischarged at least one tie plate. The tie plate sorter assembly whereinthe pockets extend in an axial direction.

According to some embodiments, a tie plate sorter comprises a generallycircular receiver having a generally hollow interior, a drive assemblycapable of rotating the receiver, the receiver having a surrounding walland a plurality of apertures within the surrounding wall, at least oneend wall extending radially inward from the surrounding wall, a path incommunication with at least one of the plurality of apertures, the pathhaving a retaining mechanism positioned therealong, the retainingmechanism selectively retaining and releasing tie plates from within thereceiver to an outside of said receiver. The tie plate sorter whereinthe retaining mechanism comprises a magnet. The tie plate sorter whereinthe magnet is an electromagnet. The tie plate sorter wherein the magnetis a permanent magnet. The tie plate sorter wherein the circular bodyincludes a plurality of switches on the at least one end wall. The tieplate sorter wherein the switches are electrically connected to asolenoid. The tie plate sorter wherein the solenoid is electricallyconnected to the retaining mechanism. The tie plate sorter wherein theretaining mechanism is an electromagnet. The tie plate sorter whereinthe path includes a member spaced from each of the apertures in thesurrounding wall. The tie plate sorter wherein the retaining mechanismis positioned on the member. The tie plate sorter wherein the pathextends generally tangentially from the surrounding wall.

According to some embodiments, a tie plate sorter comprises a rotatablebody formed of at least one outer surrounding wall having a plurality ofapertures defining an outlet path, a radial wall having an inletaperture, the radial wall extending toward the surrounding wall, a pathmember spaced from each of the plurality of apertures, a retainingmechanism disposed along the outlet path to either retain or release tieplates, a switch associated with the retaining member to actuate theretaining mechanism. The tie plate sorter wherein the retainingmechanism is disposed on the path member. The tie plate sorter furthercomprising a solenoid to power the retaining mechanism. The tie platesorter further comprising a switch arm which either engages ordisengages a switch lever. The tie plate sorter wherein the retainingmechanism is normally powered until a switch arm engages a switch lever.

According to still other embodiments, a tie plate sorter comprises areceiver having an input aperture and a plurality of output apertures, adrive assembly to rotate the receiver, wherein tie plates move from theinput aperture to the plurality of output apertures, a path includingthe plurality of output apertures, a path member including a retainingmechanism disposed along the path, the retaining mechanism beingoperable to either retain or release the tie plates at a selectedposition of rotation of the receiver. The tie plate sorter wherein thereceiver is generally circular in shape. The tie plate sorter whereinthe path extends generally radially outward from the receiver. The tieplate sorter wherein the path extends in a first radial direction and asecond substantially tangential direction. The tie plate sorter furthercomprising a stabilizer assembly. The tie plate sorter furthercomprising a thrust limiting roller. The tie plate sorter wherein thethrust limiting roller is adjustable in an axial direction of thereceiver. The tie plate sorter further comprising a vertical liftlimiting roller. The tie plate sorter wherein the vertical lift limitingroller being adjustable in a vertical direction.

According to some embodiments, a system for controlling a tie plate feedassembly, comprises a fluid reservoir, a pump in fluid communicationwith the reservoir, a regulator valve, a receiver motor and a movermotor, the valve being adjustable to a preselected pressure, whereinabove the preselected pressure the mover motor is inhibited fromoperating, wherein below the preselected pressure, the mover motordrives a tie plate mover to move tie plates into a receiver for sorting.The system wherein the fluid reservoir is a hydraulic fluid reservoir.The system wherein the mover is a conveyor. The system furthercomprising a hopper. The system wherein the valve is an adjustableregulator valve. The system wherein the valve controls feeding of tieplates to a receiver. The system wherein pressure increases above thepreselected pressure when the receiver is overloaded with the tieplates. The system wherein pressure decreases below the preselectedpressure when the receiver has too few tie plates.

According to some embodiments, a system for controlling a tie plate feedassembly comprises a tie plate mover in feed communication with a tieplate receiver which sorts tie plates, a receiver motor for operatingthe tie plate receiver, the receiver motor driven by a drive assembly, amover motor in communication with the drive assembly, wherein the movermotor is inoperable if a drive parameter of the receiver motor is beyonda preselected value. The system wherein the parameter is a pressure. Thesystem wherein the parameter is current. The system further comprising ahopper in communication with a mover, the mover operably connected tothe mover motor. The system wherein the mover is a conveyor. The systemwherein the mover is a vibrating feeder.

According to a further embodiment, a tie plate sorter control system,comprises a first motor drivably engaged to a receiver, a second motordrivably engaged to a tie plate mover of a feed system, a pressureregulating valve wherein pressure increases with loading of tie platesinto the receiver, the pressure regulating valve in fluid communicationwith the first motor and the second motor, wherein the pressureregulating valve inhibits flow to the second motor when the pressureincreases beyond a preselected value. The system further comprising afluid reservoir. The system wherein the fluid is hydraulic fluid. Thesystem wherein the receiver is continuously driven by the first motor.The system wherein the first motor is hydraulic. The system wherein thesecond motor is hydraulic. The system wherein the second motor iselectric.

According to still further embodiments a conveyor assembly comprises aframe, including a first side and a second parallel side extending in alongitudinal direction, a head end having a first sprocket and a tailend having a second sprocket, a chain extending between the firstsprocket and the second sprocket, a plurality of cleats connected to thechain and spaced apart along the chain, the cleat moving with rotationof the sprockets and movement of the chain. The conveyor assemblyfurther comprising two sprockets at a head end and two sprockets at atail end of the conveyor. The conveyor assembly further comprising afirst chain and a second chain. The conveyor assembly further comprisesa metal plate disposed between the first chain and the second chain. Theconveyor assembly further comprising a flap frame structure extendingacross the conveyor. The conveyor assembly further comprising a flapdepending from the frame to the conveyor. The conveyor assembly furthercomprising a second smaller flap frame in the downstream direction ofthe conveyor from the flap frame structure. The conveyor assemblywherein the flap extends over the second smaller flap frame. Theconveyor assembly wherein the second smaller flap frame limits movementof the flap in the direction of the conveyor movement.

According to some embodiments, a conveyor assembly for a tie platedistribution system, comprises at least one conveyor frame, a head endand a tail end of the frame, a conveyor belt extending between the headend and the tail end, a plurality of cleats integrally connected on theconveyor belt. The conveyor assembly further comprises a first flapframe extending across the conveyor. The conveyor assembly furthercomprises a flap depending from the first flap frame. The conveyorassembly further comprises a second frame flap, the flap extending tothe second frame flap. The conveyor assembly wherein the second frameflap limits the flap from moving in a direction of the conveyormovement. The conveyor assembly wherein the flap engages tie plates andaligns the tie plates in a direction transverse to the conveyormovement.

According to some other embodiments, a conveyor assembly comprises aframe structure having a first head end and a second tail end, a firstpair of sprockets at the head end and a second pair of sprockets at thetail end, a first chain extending between the sprockets at the head andtail ends, and a second chain spaced from the first chain and extendingbetween the sprockets at the head end and the tail end, a plurality ofcleats extending between the first chain and the second chain, thecleats spaced apart in a direction of movement of the first and secondchains, providing spaces for positioning of tie plates. The conveyorassembly further comprising a flap frame extending across the conveyorassembly. The conveyor assembly further comprising a second flap frameextending across the conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly whereinthe flap depends from the first flap frame to the second flap frame. Theconveyor assembly wherein the flap engages tie plates on the conveyorand aligns the tie plates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the embodiments may be better understood, embodiments ofthe tie plate sorter in accordance with the present invention will nowbe described by way of examples. These embodiments are not to limit thescope of the present invention as other embodiments of the tie platesorter of the present invention will become apparent to one havingordinary skill in the art upon reading the instant description. Examplesof the present invention are shown in figures wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a first embodiment of a tie plateseparator or sorter assembly and distribution conveyor.

FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the tie plate sorter assemblyremoved from a tie plate distribution vehicle.

FIG. 4 refers to an exploded perspective view of the embodiments shownin FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 depicts an end view of the tie plate receiver having a pluralityof tie plates therein.

FIG. 6 depicts an end view of the tie plate receiver rotated through anarcuate distance from the position shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 depicts an end view with the tie plate receiver rotated furtherfrom the position depicted in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 depicts an end view of the tie plate sorter rotated even furtherfrom the position depicted in FIG. 7 and a tie plate falling onto anexit conveyor.

FIG. 9 depicts a top view of an exit conveyor wherein the tie plateorientation is changed if necessary.

FIG. 10 and alternate vehicle for moving an exemplary tie plate sorter.

FIG. 11 depicts an alternate embodiment of a further cyclical operatingtie plate receiver and sorter assembly.

FIG. 12 depicts a side view of the alternate tie plate sorter of FIG. 11in a first position.

FIG. 13 depicts a side view of the alternate tie plate sorter of FIG. 11in a second position.

FIG. 14 depicts an end view of an alternative receiver with at least oneslide surface.

FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment wherein guides arelocated within the receiver.

FIG. 16 depicts an end view of a receiver wherein a catch is disposed inthe receiver.

FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of areceiver.

FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of a further alternative outputconveyor extending from a receiver.

FIG. 19 is an end section view of an alternate retaining mechanismdisposed on a receiver.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view an alternate embodiment of a tie platesorter.

FIG. 21 is a side view of an embodiment of the tie plate sorter of FIG.20.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an opposite side of atie plate sorter.

FIG. 23 is a side sectional view of an embodiment of the tie platesorter of FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 is a side elevation view of a tie plate feeder assembly.

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of an exemplary control system.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a conveyor with anadjustable guide wall.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a conveyorwith an adjustable guide wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the tie plate sorter assembly is not limitedin its application to the details of construction and the arrangement ofcomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The useof “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof hereinis meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalentsthereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms“connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein areused broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings,and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” andvariations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanicalconnections or couplings.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like numeral indicatelike elements throughout several views, there are shown in FIGS. 1through 27 various aspects of a tie plate separator or sorter assemblywhich receives a plurality of tie plates and positions the tie platessequentially on an exit conveyor for subsequent feeding to a tie platedistribution system. A method is further shown herein for performing thefunction described with the various structures disclosed.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a side view of a tie plate sorterassembly 10 positioned on a hi-rail truck 12 for separating a pluralityof tie plates positioned on the truck by a crane or other loadingstructure 28 and feeding a tie plate distribution system 15.

The tie plate separator or sorter assembly 10 is mounted on a truck orother vehicle 12 having capability of operating on a road or on arailroad track 13, as shown. The railroad track 13 includes a pair ofrails 14 disposed on tie plates 16. The tie plates 16 are positioned onthe railroad ties 18 which extend generally perpendicular below therails 14. The tie plates 16 connect the rails 14 to the railroad ties18. The railroad ties 18 are positioned in ballast 19 which may beformed of various substrates which typically include some amount ofgravel or rock.

The truck 12 includes the front road tires 20 and at least one set ofrear road tires 22. An engine and transmission connected to the rearroad tires 22 provide propulsion for both on road and railway travel,according to the instant embodiment. The vehicle 12 also includes railwheels 26 which allow movement along rails 14 by way of propulsion fromat least one of the front and rear tires 20 and 22. The truck 12includes an auxiliary drive system 24 which also allows the vehicle tooperate on the railroad tracks through the use of additional railwheels26 shown. A crane 28 is located at the rear of the bed of the truck 12for loading materials onto the truck 12 as well as clearing debris fromrailway worksites as needed. As shown in FIG. 10, an alternative vehicle112 is depicted. The vehicle 112 is a flatbed cargo vehicle for traintrack 13 usage. The vehicle 112 is typically used for higher output tieplate production systems. In operation, vehicle 112 may follow behindvehicle 12, or other pulling vehicle, engine or tractor, so as toreceive tie plates from crane 28. These vehicles should not beconsidered limiting as various types of vehicles may be utilized.

The tie plate separator assembly 10 includes a tie plate receiver 30which operates in a cyclical manner to receive tie plates at onelocation and move the tie plates to a second location for depositing ona tie plate distribution system 15. The separator assembly 10 furtherincludes a drive assembly 50 (FIG. 3) which causes cyclical motion ofthe receiver 30 to separate or sort the tie plates for positioning on anexit conveyor. The receiver 30, according to the instant embodiment,rotates about an axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of thetruck 12, i.e. extending from the front tires 20 to the rear tires 22.The tie plate receiver 30 receives tie plates from input 73 and movesthe tie plates from the receiver 30 by output 70. The input 73 may beformed of various roller, powered, vibrating, or gravity feedstructures. The feed or input structure 73 may have a switch or othercontrol structure for limiting the flow of tie plates 16 into thereceiver 30.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a top view of the truck 12 with the tie plateseparator 10 is depicted. At a forward end of the truck 12 is theoperating cab 17 wherein a driver can operate the truck 12 while in useduring on road travel, and in order to position the truck 12 on therailroad track 13. Once the truck 12 is positioned on the track 13, theoperator may move to a rear or cab area where the engine speed,auxiliary drive 24 and crane 28 may be controlled in order to propel thetruck along the rails 14 and move tie plates 16 for processing in thereceiver 30.

According to one embodiment of the tie plate separator assembly 10, thetie plates 16 are received by the receiver 30 at the vehicle forward endof the receiver 30 and are directed towards the rear of the vehicle 12after the tie plates 16 are oriented in the tie plate receiver 30. Thecrane 28 feeds tie plates 16 to a plurality of feed devices such as ahopper, a vibrating feeder, a feed chute, a roller or belt conveyor orother structure which feeds the receiver 30.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the tie plate separator 10 is shown includingthe receiver 30 and a drive assembly 50 positioned on a frame 32.Positioned on or adjacent to the frame 32 is a motor 34 which is poweredby a power supply 36. The motor 34 may be electric or alternatively maybe hydraulic. The power supply 36 therefore may be electric or may be afluid supply utilized to rotate the hydraulic motor. Various powersupplies may be used and exemplary descriptions should not be consideredlimiting.

In addition to the motor 34, the drive assembly 50 further comprises atransmission 38. The transmission 38 is shown including sheaves 40, 42and a belt 44. The sheaves 40, 42 receive the belt 44 and togethertransfer torque from the motor 34 to at least one tire 52. Alternativedrives may be utilized, however. For example, gear drives, chain drivesor other transmissions may be utilized. The chain drive sprockets mayreplace sheaves 40, 42. Alternatively, a chain sprocket may extend aboutthe receiver 30 and an adjacent sprocket may be positioned on a motor ortransmission in order to turn the receiver 30 by way of a chainextending around both sprockets.

The drive assembly 50 further comprises tire assemblies 51, each havingfirst and second tires 52 spaced apart along the axle 54. The tires 52may be metallic, rubber, composite or other materials. The assemblies 51are connected to the frame 32 by opposed bearings 56 between which theaxle 54 extends. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the deviceincludes first and second tire assemblies 51 spaced apart to rotatablylocate the receiver 30. In order to operate, the motor 34 is powered forrotation, causing rotation through the transmission 38 and tires 52.With rotation of the adjacent at least one drive ring, for example driverings 60 and 62, opposite tire assembly 51 is also driven which allowsfor guided rotation of the receiver 30. While one tire assembly 51 isshown being driven by the motor 34, alternate embodiments may beprovided wherein both tire assemblies may be driven.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the receiver 30 is exploded from the frame 32and the tire assemblies 51. Extending between a first drive ring 60 anda second drive ring 62 is at least one side 64. The at least one side 64defines a geometric shape as best shown in FIG. 5 when viewed from anend of the receiver 30. The exemplary design utilizes an octagonalshaped hollowed area 63 of the receiver 30 which is formed by the eightsides 64. The hollow area 63 receives tie plates 16 from a feed deviceand feeds out separated tie plates via an exit or output conveyor 70.Alternatively, various shapes may be utilized which may be moved incyclical fashion. For example, polygons, circles, curvilinear sides andother shapes may be used.

Referring still to FIG. 4, on or in each side 64 is at least one magnet72.

According to the exemplary embodiment, the magnets 72 are positioned onthe outer surface of side 64 and apertures are cut in the sides 64 sothat the magnetic force can retain tie plates 16 on the inside of thereceiver 30. Other arrangements are contemplated however, dependent onthe force attainable with the magnets. The exemplary magnets 72 are dualpole magnets however alternative magnets may also be utilized. Each ofthe magnets 72 retain at least one tie plate 16 against a side 64 duringthe rotation of the receiver 30 on the tire assemblies 51. The magnets72 move with rotation of the receiver 30 so that magnetically retainedtie plates are moved from the lower side of the receiver 30 to the upperside during the rotation. This causes loose tie plates to separate fromthe magnetically retained tie plates 16 which are held tightly by theelectromagnetic force. As the receiver 30 rotates, the magnets 72 retainand move at least one tie plate 16 toward a discharge position. At suchdischarge position, the tie plates 16 are released on to a tie plateoutput 70, such as the exemplary conveyor. Other embodiments may beused. For example, although the magnets are shown inside receiver 30with long side extending in a circumferential direction the receiver 30,the magnets 72 may be rotated so that the long side extends in an axialdirection. Additionally, although magnets 72 are shown on each surfaceof the receiver 30, the magnets may be spaced to every other surface ofthe receiver or further depending on the desired throughput. Evenfurther, the magnets 72 may be spaced in the axial direction of thereceiver as well. Although three magnets 72 are shown in an axialdirection, more magnets 72 may be used or fewer may be utilized.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 through 10, the receiver 30 is shown in asectional end view moving through multiple positions due to cyclicalmotion of the tire assemblies 51. As previously described, the receiver30 rotates in clockwise direction according to the exemplary views, sothat the tie plates 16 deposited in the receiver 30 are moved toward thetop of the receiver 30. When located at the top of the receiver, the tieplates 16 are transferred to a tie plate output 70. Since all of thelifting and positioning occurs in automated fashion, the structure andprocess provides for decrease in manual handling which results indecreased lifting injury. Also, the process results in increasedefficiency, increased throughput of tie plates and ultimately decreasedoperating costs. In the FIGS. 5-10, the sides 64 are labeled 64 a-64 hfor ease in distinguishing movement of the receiver 30.

In FIG. 5, the tie plates 16 are deposited on a tie plate receiver side64 a at a first position. This first position is a lowermost positionfor the specific side 64 a described herein. The tie plates 16 may bedelivered in a multitude of manners including a conveyor, a vibratingfeeder, a chute or any of a variety of means in order to deposit tieplates 16 on the side 64 a. Moreover, the tie plates 16 need not bedeposited at the lowermost surface but may be positioned at a multitudeof positions within the receiver 30. As shown in the Figure, the side 64a has a magnet 72 on an outer surface. Adjacent the magnet 72 is aconductor 74 which engages a power supply 76 extending about thereceiver 30. The power supply 76 is a copper or other conductive stripor band in the exemplary embodiment, however other structures may beutilized to provide power to the conductor 74. The power supply 76 maybe charged by a battery, an alternator which may be connected to ahydraulic motor, a generator or other means. The magnet 72 is powered bythe conductor 74, which is powered by the power supply 76. The powersupply 76 is shown in the axial center of the receiver 30. However, asshown in other embodiments, the power supply 76 may be at axial ends ofthe receiver 30 or any position therebetween. The magnet 72 providesforce sufficient to retain at least one tie plate 16, as previouslydescribed. According to the exemplary embodiment, each side 64 a-64 hincludes a magnet 72. However, magnets 72 may be spaced on consecutivesurfaces, alternating surfaces or as needed for desired output of tieplates 16. As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply 76 is depicted generallycentrally positioned relative to the axial direction of the receiver 30.However, the structure 76 may be moved to axial ends of the receiver 30or any position there between. Additionally, the power supply 76 may belocated at ends as long as pathways are provided for feed and outputstructure 70.

With reference now to FIG. 6, as the tire assemblies 51 rotate acounterclockwise direction this causes clockwise rotation of receiver30. The side 64 a moves from a lowermost position (FIG. 5) to a positionupwardly from that, as shown in FIG. 6. The tie plates 16 which arelocated against the surface 64 a are held in position by the magnets 72.The conductor 74 continues to move with the rotation of the receiver 30.During the rotation, the conductor 74 stays in contact with the powersupply 76 so that the magnet 72 continues to retain at least one tieplate 16 on surface 64 a. As the rotation occurs, at least one tie plate16 which is not immediately adjacent the magnet 72 will typically falldownward due to gravity to a lower surface 64 h of the receiver 30. Astie plate 16 slides downward and engages at least one exposed magnet 72on subsequent side 64 h, the tie plate 16 will be retained as thereceiver 30 continues rotation.

Referring to FIG. 7, the tie plate 16 continues moving in the clockwisedirection with rotation of the receiver 30. The conductor 74 maintainsengagement with the power supply 76. The side 64 a is verticallyoriented due to the rotation of the receiver 30. On side 64 a, a singletie plate 16 is held in position by the magnet 72, while all loose tieplates 16 have fallen downward toward the lower adjacent side 64 h ofthe receiver 30. A majority of the tie plates 16 are disposed on side 64h. In the stack of tie plates 16 on surface 64 h, the lowermost tieplate 16 adjacent the surface 64 h will be held by the magnetic forcewhile the remainder of plates may be loosely in position and will fallas rotation continues. At the lowermost side 64 g, one tie plate 16 isdisposed in the lowermost position of the receiver 30 having fallen fromeither or both of sides 64 a and 64 h. The tie plates 16 are held byelectromagnetic force against the surface indicated while other tieplates slide toward the lower adjacent side 64 g with continuedrotation. The retaining force is available due to the engagement betweenthe conductor 74 and the power supply 76. However, other selectivelyoperable retaining mechanisms or forces may be used. For example,pockets which catch and hold the loose tie plates 16 may be utilized torelease the tie plates 16 at an appropriate location. Additionally,pockets, guides, catches, lips or the other structures, including butnot limited to those shown in FIGS. 11, 15 and 17 may also be utilized.

As shown in FIG. 8, the side 64 a is disposed horizontally at the top ofthe cyclical rotation of the receiver 30. The conductor 74 of side 64 ais disengaged from the power supply 76. With the magnets 72 of side 64 adischarged, the tie plates 16 are released. Thus depending on theposition of the receiver 30 or the magnets 72, the tie plates 16 arereleased. Since the side 64 a is above the output conveyor 70, the tieplates 16 are released and begin to fall toward the output conveyor 70.One tie plate 16 is shown moving downward and rotating during the fallfrom the top uppermost surface 64 to an output conveyor 70. The tieplate output conveyor 70 moves the tie plates 16 out of the receiver andtoward a tie plate distribution system 15 (FIG. 1) utilized with thevehicle 12. It may be also desirable to facilitate a complete dischargeof the magnets 72 so as to release any dust or metallic debris which maydelay or inhibit release of the tie plates 16. One such structure may bea rectifier but such device should not be considered limiting as variousdischarge devices may be utilized.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a top view of the output conveyor for tie plateoutput 70 is shown. As depicted in the figure, a tie plate 16 isdisposed at the left hand end of the segment of conveyor 70. The tieplate 16 engages an orientation structure 80. The exemplary embodimentutilizes a post 80 to cause rotation of the tie plate 16 about avertical axis as the tie plate 16 moves with the output conveyor 70. Therotation of the tie plate 16 is shown in broken line as the tie plate 16engages the orientation structure 80 causing the rotation about avertical axis. With further movement of the conveyor 70, the orientationmoves about 90 degrees from a longitudinal alignment with the conveyorto an orientation which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis of the conveyor 70. Additionally, the orientation of the tie plates16 may need to be rotated about a horizontal axis. In other words, itmay be desirable to rotate the tie plate from the bottom surface asshown in FIG. 9 to the top surface. One method of doing this is to dropthe tie plates from one conveyor to a second conveyor allowing the tieplate to flip or rotate about the horizontal axis. As shown in FIG. 10,output conveyor 70 drops to a secondary output conveyor 71. This causesrotation of the tie plate 16 from one surface to a second surface. Theheight differential of the space between conveyor 70 and 71 may beadjusted so as to allow for rotation to the appropriate side desired.Thus, with the tight spacing between the layers, a tie plate may not beallowed to rotate or with a wider spacing, the tie plate may be able torotate 180 degrees so as to flip sides for feeding through the tie platedistribution system 15. This will be partially dependent on tie platedimensions as will be understood by one skilled in the art.

Additional embodiments are shown, with reference to FIG. 14, depictingthat the magnets 72 may also be spaced apart at further distances thanevery surface 64 of the receiver 30. For example, the magnets 72 maybespaced at every other surface as shown, or at farther distances.According to a further embodiment shown, a sliding surface 164 may bepositioned between, for example, surfaces 64 a and 64 g. The slidingsurface more closely approximates a circular surface upon which theplates 16 may slide rather than fall to surface 64 g where the at leastone magnet 72 is positioned. This surface 164 allows for quietermovement of tie plates 16 and may be used between immediately adjacentsurfaces or where magnets 72 are spaced apart at farther distances asshown. Other arrangements of slide surfaces may be utilized and shouldbe considered within the scope of this disclosure.

As further depicted in FIG. 15, guides 134 may be utilized in thereceiver 30. The guides 134 may be positioned to locate tie plates 16into a desired orientation and position. Additionally, the guides 134may further limit the capture of more than one tie plate by any magnet72. The guides may be welded or fastened and may be oriented to providea multitude of tie plate 16 orientations. Therefore the embodiment shownshould not be considered limiting.

As shown in FIG. 16, an end view of the receiver 30 is depicted whereinthe catches 136 are depicted. These catches 136 receive ends of the tieplates 16 and cause the tie plate 16 to flip when the tie plate 16 isreleased from the top of the receiver 30 revolution. The flip of the tieplate 16 may be desirable when a desired orientation is needed and thenormal release of the tie plate 16 from the receiver magnet 72 does notresult in such orientation. The catch 136 may be formed of variousstructures, such as for example angle iron, and may be attached in avariety of manners.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a secondary embodiment of the invention isshown.

In this embodiment the receiver 130 does not rotate in a circularmotion, but instead has a cyclical motion which is in two directions. Asshown, the tie plate receiving structure 130 includes a plurality ofpockets 132 defined by guides 134. In these pockets 132, tie plates aredisposed and a magnet may be utilized on the backside of the receiverstructure 130 to retain the tie plate 16 in a position indicated. Fromthis position the magnet may be released and the tie plate falls ontothe conveyor 170.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, side views of the receiver 130 forsorting are depicted. The side view is rotated 90 degrees from thatshown in FIG. 11. In FIG. 12, the receiver is shown having a first endwhich is elevated and a second end which deposits tie plates on theoutput conveyor 170. In FIG. 13, the second end is elevated so that theloose tie plates are moved to the opposite end of the receiver 130 andthe properly oriented plates are held in position by magnets adjacentthe pocket area 132 of the receiver 130. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13,the motion is cyclical in that the ends of the receiver 130 move betweenfirst and second positions in a reciprocating fashion. This may be donethrough the use of a motor or an actuator, such as a pneumatic or fluidactuator.

In operation, the tie plates 16 are loaded on the cyclical receiver 130.The flat platter 164 of receiver 130 pivots has an upper side or surface165 along which the tie plates 16 slide. The surface 165 of receiver 130pivots at joint 166. The tie plates are moved away from the conveyor 170by pivoting the end of receiver 130 opposite the conveyor 170 downward,as shown in FIG. 13. Next the receiver is rotated to the position inFIG. 12 causing the tie plates to slide toward the conveyor 170. The tieplates move into the pockets 132 formed by guides 134, thus orientingthe tie plates 16. When the magnets are powered off, the tie plates inpockets 132 fall on the conveyor 170. Next the receiver 130 moves towardthe position in FIG. 13, and the process starts again.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a further alternative receiver 230 is shownand according to some embodiments has a first driving ring 260 and asecond driving ring 262 spaced apart by at least one tie plate receivingsurface 264. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the atleast one receiving surface 264 defines a circular shaped interiorextending between the driving rings 260, 262. However, multiple shapesmay utilize and such description should not be considered limiting. Thetie plate receiving surface 264 includes a plurality of magnets 72 whichretain tie plates against the tie plate receiving surfaces 264 at eachmagnet location. As previously described during operation, tie platesenter the receiver 230 at a first location and exit at a secondlocation. However, at least some embodiments utilize at least one pocket280. The pocket 280 comprises multiple magnets 72 thereon so that thetie plates 16 are retained in the pocket area of the receiver 230. Thepocket 280 is defined by multiple walls however an opening or aperture282 is defined along one area of the pocket 280 so that tie plates maybe discharged.

Adjacent to receiver 230 is an external conveyor 270. The conveyor 270receives tie plates 16 as they are discharged from the receiver 230. Theconveyor 270 may take various forms including a roller conveyor, beltconveyor or other feeding or sliding mechanisms to move the tie plates16. Adjacent the conveyor 270 is an exemplary motor and belt drive whichdefines a drive assembly 274. However the drive assembly may takevarious forms including gear drive or direct drive systems connected toa head or tail pulley.

In operation, the tie plates 16 are received through the opening definedby the first driving ring 260. The tie plates 16 rotate and slide withinthe receiver 230 and are retained and positioned by the retainingstructure 72, such as for example a magnet. More specifically, the tieplates move into the pockets 280 and are held in position by the magnets72 until the magnets are deactivated by ending communication with thepower supply 76. When the power supply no longer powers the magnet 72,the aperture 282 is oriented generally downwardly so that the tie plate16 are released through the receiver 230 toward the conveyor 270. Fromthis position, the tie plate 16 moves away from the receiver 230 alongthe external conveyor 270.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a perspective view of the tie plate sorterassembly is shown. In exemplary discharge or output conveyor 70 isdepicted internally of the receiver 30. According to one exemplaryembodiment, the conveyor output 70 is generally positioned toward oneside of the receiver 30. The conveyor 70 includes a motor and gear boxdefining a drive assembly 350. The conveyor 70 may be centered or may bemoved toward one side of the receiver 30.

During rotation of the receiver 30, tie plates 16 are released aspreviously described from being retained from the retaining structuresor mechanisms, for example, magnets. The magnets 72 may release tieplates 16 along sides or at the top of the rotation. When released atthe side of the receiver 30, the tie plates 16 engage a slide surface 79which directs the plates 16 onto the conveyor 70. Since the slidesurface 79 temporarily positions tie plates on a lower edge of the tieplate 16 and leaning at an angle, the tie plate engages a flipping bar75. The bar 75 causes the tie plate 16 to move to the desiredorientation which is bottom down for further movement along the conveyor70 and discharge to other tie plate distribution structures.

Referring now to FIG. 19, the receiver 30 shown in end view. In thisview the receiver 30 rotates in a counterclockwise direction. Theexemplary embodiments depicted in FIG. 19 show that the retainingstructures 372 are permanent magnets and are engaged or mechanicallydisengaged from the receiver 30 depending on the position of thereceiver during rotation. For example, magnets 372 are normallypositioned against the surfaces 64 of the receiver 30. As the magnet 372moves towards a disengagement bar 374, the magnets 372 includemechanical structure which engages the bar 374 causing the magnet topivot or lift away from the surface 64 of the receiver 30. When themagnet moves away from the surface 64, the tie plate 16 may be releasedto the output conveyor 70. Once the receiver 30 continues rotation andmagnets 370 clear the disengagement bar 374 near the bottom of therotation cycle, the magnets 372 reengage the surfaces 64 and beginlifting tie plate 16 upwardly along the rotation cycle until reachingthe disengagement bar 374. Although a pivot structure is shown, themagnet 372 may be moved in a variety of ways.

It should be understood that the various retaining structures such aselectromagnetic, magnetic or other structures which are used to retainthe tie plates 16 against the inside surfaces of the receiver 30 may beutilized in combination with various embodiments of an internal conveyor70 or external conveyor 170. Additionally, the various forms of magnetsmay be utilized with any of the embodiments described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 20, a perspective view of a receiver 430 isdepicted as an alternate embodiment as previously described. Thereceiver 430 has a generally circular shaped drum or body formed of acircular side wall or surrounding wall 432 and at least one radial orend wall 434. Although the term end wall is used, the wall 434 need notbe at the axial end most position of the wall 432. Near axial ends ofthe wall 432 are lips 435 which provide an aid for limiting thrustmovement of the sorter drum or receiver 430, described further herein.As an optional alternative, and as shown in previous embodiments, thereceiver 430 may be formed of multiple linear side segments forming apolygon with circular end rings to allow the polygonal structure torotate. Any of these types of embodiments may be considered generallycylindrical having a generally circular cross-sectional shape. The sidewall 432 defines an interior volume which is generally hollow whereintie plates 16 are received for sorting. The cylindrical receiver 430 hasa plurality of apertures 442 formed through the side 432 allowingpassage from the inside of the receiver 430 to the outside. Beneath thereceiver 430 is an exemplary output conveyor 70 upon which sorted tieplates 16 are deposited and moved away from the receiver 430 duringoperation. The conveyor 70 moves the tie plates from the receiver 430 inthe direction C indicated longitudinally along the conveyor 70. Asupport structure includes a drive assembly 450 is positioned below thereceiver 430 and causes rotation of the receiver 430 in the directionshown by arrow R. As with previous embodiments, the drive assembly 450may include a belt or chain drive or other transmission types and maydrive one or both axle assemblies shown for example. The receiver 430and drive assembly 450 may be located on, as described in previousembodiments, a powered vehicle bed such as truck or train, flatbed orbox types.

According to the instant embodiment, the end wall 434 includes aplurality of switch arms 474 which engage a switch arm lever 476. Thelever 476 is formed of a flat bar stock in the exemplary embodiment andis curved along the circular path of the switch arms 474 so that theswitch arms 474 engage or disengage the lever 474 based upon location ofthe switch arm 474 along the rotational path. The switch arm lever 476is spaced a radial distance from center of rotation of the receiver 430which corresponds to the location of switch arms 474. Additionally, thelever 476 has an arcuate length corresponding to a rotational location,or range of locations, wherein the tie plates are either released orretained. According to one embodiment, the switch arms 474 causeelectrification of magnets when engaging the lever arm 476. In analternate embodiment, the magnets are electrified continuously exceptwhen the lever arms 476 are engaged by the switch arms 474. In thissecond embodiment, which is depicted, when the switch arms 474 engagethe lever 476, a retaining mechanism 472 is used to de-electrify orde-power the retaining mechanism 472, for example magnets, causingrelease of a tie plate 16 within the angular position of the lever 476.The switch arm lever 476 extends from a strut positioned on the driveassembly 450. However the switch lever 476 may be mounted in a varietyof manners and the exemplary embodiment should not be consideredlimiting.

Referring still to FIG. 20, the switch arms 474 are each connected to aswitch 480 and a solenoid 482. In general, the switch and solenoiddefine an actuator but various alternate types of actuators may beutilized. As the switch arms 474 rotate and engage the switch lever 476,a switch 480 is de-activated. In turn, this causes de-activation of asolenoid 482 which is normally powered to power on the retainingmechanism 472, for example electromagnets. Other structures may beutilized such as permanent magnets with mechanical means for separatingthe tie plates 16 and the like. Thus, when the switch arms 474 engagethe switch lever 476, the electromagnets 472 are powered off so that theelectromagnets release the tie plates 16. When the switch arms 474disengage the lever 476, the electromagnets are powered on so theelectromagnets 472 retain the tie plates 16. In other words, the tieplates 16 may be either retained or released by powering theelectromagnets 472. This powering on and off occurs due to location ofthe switch arm 474 relative to discharge position along the circularpath of the receiver 430. Otherwise stated, the switch lever 476 ispositioned at a location where discharge is desired.

A stabilizing assembly 490 is also depicted in the instant Figure. Theassembly 490 includes an adjustable frame 491 which allows adjustment ina vertical direction and an axial direction of the receiver 430. Theframe 491 has an adjustable vertical member 492 and an adjustablehorizontal member 493. Connected to the member 493 is a roller 494 whichis disposed inside the lip 435 having a horizontal axis of rotation. Theroller 494 inhibits vertical lifting of the receiver 430 duringoperation. Similarly, the vertical member 490 includes a roller 495having a vertical axis of rotation which inhibits thrust movement in theaxial direction of the receiver 430 during operation. The roller 495engages the lip 435. A second assembly 490 may be positioned on theopposite side of the receiver 430 to at least inhibit thrust in theopposite direction.

With reference now to FIG. 21, the electrical system includes switcharms 474 which engage the switch arm lever 476 as previously described.The switch arms 474 are mechanically connected to the switches 480 andthe solenoids 482, as previously described. The electrical systemoperates when the switch arm 474 engages the switch arm lever 476causing a current of a pre-selected amount to move through the switch480 and to the solenoids 482. The solenoids 482 provide a larger currentwhich is capable of powering the magnets 472. Without such solenoids,the switches 480 could not provide the necessary current to drive themagnets 472, according to the instant embodiment. Although a mechanicalswitch arm is described, the actuation may be an electrical one.

The receiver 430 includes a first bearing plate 485 located centrallywithin the end wall 434. A bearing extends from the bearing plate 485and an axle 483 passes through the bearing to an outboard second bearingplate 487, including bearing, spaced from the end wall 434. The innerbearing plate 485 may be used for one of a positive or negativeconnection for the electrical system and the second or outer bearing 487may be used to provide an alternate positive or negative wiringconnection for the electrical system. An insulator material (not shown)may be utilized between the inner bearing plate 485 and the end wall 434in order to inhibit unintended charging of the receiver 430. Thereceiver 430 may also be grounded using various wiring connections aswill be understood by one skilled in the art.

Referring still to FIG. 21 a tie plate alignment assembly 186 isdepicted in the figure. The structure includes a vertical frame member188 and a flap 190 depending downwardly therefrom. The flap 190 isweighted at a lower edge so that when the lower edge engages a tie plate16, the tie plate is pushed into an alignment with a lower edge of theflap 190. Continued movement of the conveyor 70 eventually causes thetie plate to pass the flap 190 and frame 188. The frame 188 may includea horizontal member extending from the vertical portion that isextending into the page as depicted. Additionally, a smaller framemember 192 may also include a horizontal member extending into the pagewhich engages the flap 190 and inhibits the flap 190 from pushing toofar along in the direction of movement of the conveyor 70 and the tieplates 16.

The frame 188 extends across the output conveyor 70 and may include afirst vertical member and a horizontal member. The exemplary embodimentalso includes a second vertical member which defines the frame althoughsuch embodiment is not required.

Depending from the horizontal member (not shown) of the frame is a flap.At a lower edge of the flap 190, a weighted member is fastened to theflap. The weighted member maybe formed of a steel structure or any suchstructure which will engage a tie plate 16 moving along the conveyor andcause the tie plate to engage a cleat 176 (FIG. 23). As an alternative,if the tie plate is not forced against the cleats, the flap and weightedmember will at least straighten the tie plate relative to the directionof movement of the conveyor before the tie plate is forced to passbeneath the flap. A smaller frame structure is spaced forward of theflap according to the instant embodiment. The small frame inhibits theflap and weighted member from being pushed by the conveyor and tie plateso that the flap is no longer effective as to straighten the tie platesalong the conveyor.

Referring now to FIG. 22, an alternate view is depicted wherein thereceiver 430 input side is shown in perspective view. Opposite the sideshown in FIG. 20, the input side has an input wall 436 with an aperture438. A feed assembly 460 (FIG. 24) including conveyor, vibrating feeder,chute, other feed device, mover or a combination thereof, is positionedadjacent the aperture 438. This allows feeding or input of the tieplates 16 into the receiver 430.

During rotation of the receiver 430 in the direction R, tie plates 16are deposited within the receiver 430 through aperture 438 as thereceiver 430 rotates. The tie plates 16 move into pathways or pockets440 (FIG. 23) through holes 442 formed in the inner surface of receiverwall 434. The retaining mechanisms, for example electromagnets, 472 arepositioned along the pathway or within pockets 440 so the electromagnets472 may release the tie plates 16 on the conveyor 70.

The path 440 of the tie plates 16 is best shown in reference to FIG. 23,where a section view of the receiver 430 is depicted. The path 440according to the instant embodiment moves radially from inside tooutside the receiver 430. The path 440 then turns in a tangential mannerto pass from between member 446 and the wall 432. The receiver 430includes a plurality of apertures 442 which are disposed in the side432. These apertures 442 define portions of a path 440 through which thetie plates 16 are captured and move from inside the receiver 430 tooutside the receiver 430. A frame 444 surrounds three sides of eachaperture 442 and may be formed of one or more structures extending fromor through said surrounding wall 432. The frame 444 extends a distanceradially away from the outer surface of wall 432. At least one edge ofthe apertures 442 is unobstructed by the frame 444 so that the tieplates 16 may pass from inside the frame 444 to the conveyor 70 below.

Spaced from the aperture 442 in a radial direction and within the frame444 is a member 446 to which the retaining mechanism 472 is attached.The frame allows the member to be spaced from aperture 442. The member446 extends between walls of the frame 444 and does not obstruct theopen side of the frame 444. In combination, the frame 444 includingmember 446 define a pocket recessed from the interior surface of theside 432. During operation, the tie plates 16 move radially through theapertures 442 into the path 440. The tie plates 16 are held in theposition in the path 440 by the retaining mechanism 472 and against themember 446. This is occurring as the receiver 430 is rotating.

When the electromagnet is not powered, by the switch arm 474 engagingthe switch arm lever 476 (FIG. 21), the tie plates 16 are released andmove generally tangentially. The tie plates 16 encounter a member 446wherein the retaining mechanism 472 is disposed. The frame 444 surroundsthree of the sides of the member 446. When the tie plate 16 engages themember 446, the magnet 472 is powered on and retains the tie plate inposition until the magnet is un-powered. At this time, the tie plates 16fall from the member 446 and pass through the open side of the frame444. The tie plates 16 are thereby deposited on the conveyor 70. Aspreviously discussed, the present embodiment utilizes a continuouslypowered magnet which is unpowered when the tie plate 16 is moving closetoward the conveyor 70. Upon release and continued rotational movementthe magnet 472 is again powered to retain another tie plate and theprocess continues. However, these embodiments are exemplary and otherembodiments are well within the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 24, a feed assembly 460 is shown in side view. Thefeed assembly includes a hopper 462 which feeds to a conveyor, vibratoryfeeder or other mover for example not shown. The mover includes a motor464 moves the tie plates 16 to a chute 466, in turn feeding the tieplates 16 into the aperture 438 of the receiver 430. The feed assemblymay take various forms although it may be desirable that at least aportion of the structure be gravity feed in order to reduce powerconsumption of the assembly 460.

Additionally, the motor 464 may be electrical, hydraulic or otherpowered type in order to provide a method of controlling flow rate oftie plates 16 into the receiver 430. The assembly motor 464 is shown andis controlled through a control system 500 (FIG. 25) which is based uponthe loading of tie plates 16 within the receiver and according to theinstant embodiment, is hydraulic. If the loading within the receiver 430is too high, the feed assembly 460 is stopped until the loading withinthe receiver is decreased. If the loading of the receiver 430 is toolow, the motor 464 speed may be increased to increase loading of thereceiver 430. Ultimately, it is desirable to control the output speed ofthe receiver 430 and one non-limiting method of doing such is to controlthe rate of tie plates 16 being fed into the receiver 430.

The feed assembly 460 receives a plurality of tie plates at a hopper462. The tie plates 16 maybe loaded into the hopper by a crane, boom orother such structure having a bucket, claw, magnet or other liftingstructure which may also mounted on the vehicle. Alternatively, analternate vehicle having such structure to load tie plates maybeutilized.

Referring now to FIG. 25, a schematic view of the exemplary hydraulicsystem for operation of receiver 430 is depicted. The system utilizes apump 520 in fluid communication with a reservoir 522 which contains ahydraulic fluid 524. The pump 520 directs fluid through a line 526 andreaches a T-joint 528 which directs fluid in two directions. First, thefluid is directed to a port 532 in a pressure regulating valve 530. In asecond direction, fluid is directed to a receiver motor 540 input inorder to drive the motor with for example hydraulic power. The receivermotor 540 has an output or return line 542 which also T's to directfluid in two directions. In a first direction, the fluid is directed tothe valve 530 port 534. Within the regulator valve 530, the valve may beset by rotation of an adjustment mechanism 536 to perform in twodifferent manners. Above a pre-selected pressure, the hydraulic fluidwill be directed out of the valve 530 through an outflow port 538 to thereservoir. A third valve port 539 is in fluid communication and extendswith the line 534 from the receiver motor. In a second direction, thehydraulic line from the motor 540 feeds the conveyor motor 464 drivingthe tie plate feed system 460, which feeds the tie plates 16 into thereceiver 430. The conveyer feed motor 464 includes an inlet 465 and areturn 467 such that the return port feeds to the reservoir 522.

In operation, as the pump 520 directs hydraulic fluid 524 to thereceiver drum motor 540 inlet 544, fluid is received at the first port532 of the regulator valve 530. By comparing pressure from the returnport outlet side 542 of the receiver motor 540 feeding the second port534 of the regulator valve 530 with the pressure feeding the first port532 of the regulator valve 530, a pressure reading is taken on a gaugeand the adjustment mechanism may be adjusted to a pre-selected operatingpressure or differential. If the operating pressure exceeds suchpre-selected value, the valve 530 will direct fluid to the outlet port538 and to the reservoir 524. If the pressure is below the pre-selectedvalue, the line at port 539 will sense the pressure forcing fluid at thereturn line 542 to move from the drum motor 540 to the conveyor feedmotor 464. This will drive the conveyer feed system 460.

The pre-selected pressure is derived from testing and if the pressureexceeds the pre-selected value, the schematic figure depicts that theconveyor feed motor 464 will not operate. Typically, when the pressureat the regulator valve 530 is exceeded, the receiver 430 contains toomany tie plates 16. Thus by stopping the feed motor 464, the tie plates16 may be sorted and exit the receiver 430. Once the number of tieplates decreases, the pressure at the regulator valve 530 decreasesbelow the pre-selected value and the conveyor feed motor beginsoperating again. Although the components described herein are hydraulicin nature, other fluid systems may be used or electrical systems mayalso be utilized. For example, an electrical system may be utilizedwhich compares current values on a drum motor to stop or start theconveyor feed motor. As a further alternative, a combination of fluidand electric systems may be utilized.

Referring now to FIG. 26, a perspective view of the output conveyor 70is shown in part. The conveyor 70 has a head end 172 and a tail end (notshown) and may be driven electronically or hydraulically for example. Abelt or chain structure extends between the head end and tail end of theconveyor 70. In the case of a conveyor belt 174 may be formed of rubberor rubber-like material. The belt 174 further comprises a plurality ofcleats 176 which extend across the belt 174 transverse to thelongitudinal direction of the conveyor 70. The cleats 176 align the tieplates 16 properly for movement on the conveyor 70 and for improvedtransfer to further belts in a distribution system. It is desirable thatthe tie plates 16 be oriented in a manner for correct alignment with anysubsequent tie plate distribution conveyor. The tie plates 16 areengaged by cleats 176 and moved to the feed and or output end of theconveyor 70.

Additionally, the tie plates 16 should be centered or positionedlaterally in desired position with respect to the instant figure andconveyor 70. Accordingly, at least one guide wall 180 is utilized tomove the tie plates 16 to a desirable location laterally along theconveyor belt 174. According to alternate embodiments, the conveyor 70has guide walls 180, 182 wherein one of the guide walls is moveablebetween a first position and a second position relative to thelongitudinal centerline of the conveyor 70. According to the instantembodiment, the guide wall 182 is moveable between a first positionshown in broken line and a second position shown in solid line. In oneposition, the tie plates are guided to the center of the conveyor belt174. However, in the instance where a tie plate is oversized, forexample if a sixteen inch plate is accidentally included with a group offourteen inch plates, a fixed sidewall would stop the tie plates 16while they are continually driven forward on the belt 174. The guidewall 182 will however move outwardly to a second position allowing theoversized tie plate to pass to a location where it can be removed eitherautomatically or by a worker on the machine.

The instant embodiment utilizes a magnet 184 which engages a frameelement.

The frame element may be either of the column 187 or the adjacent base189 or alternatively may be other magnetizable component of the conveyorframe for example. The magnet has sufficient force to maintain the guidewall at the first inward position. As the tie plates 16 pass, the guidewall forces the tie plates to the center of the belt 174 without themagnet yielding to forces from the correctly sized tie plate. The guidewall 182 thus stays in position. However, when the guide wall 182engages the exemplary oversized plate, the guide wall 182 cannot stay inits inward position and the magnet 184 slides outward allowing the guidewall 182 to move and the oversized tie plate to pass. Thus the instantembodiment allows the oversized tie plates 16 to pass while stillcentering the desirable sized tie plates during a tie plate distributionprocess. This embodiment of the magnet is exemplary as a biased guidewall may also be utilized to maintain the guide wall in an inwardposition while giving way when an oversized plate moves through theconveyor 70. Still other embodiments may be used to resist and onlyallow guided movement of the guide wall 182 between positions.

With reference now to FIG. 27, a perspective view of an alternativeconveyor 270 is depicted. The conveyor comprises an alternate form tothat of the previously described conveyor 70. As opposed to the conveyorbelt 174 of FIG. 26, the conveyor 270 may include a chain drive systemcomprising at least one first head sprocket 272 and at least one secondtail sprocket 277. At least one chain 276 may extend between the headand tail sprockets 272, 277. According to the exemplary embodiment, twoparallel chains 276,278 are utilized therefore requiring a first headsprocket 272 and second head sprocket 273 along with corresponding firsttail sprocket 277 and second tail sprocket 275. Chains 276, 278 areutilized to extend between each of the head and tail sprocket pairs.Further, cleats 176 extend between the parallel chains and are spacedapart in the direction of the movement of the conveyor 270 between headend and tail end. Thus as at least one chain is driven, the cleats 176move forward causing the tie plates 16 deposited between the spacedapart cleats 176.

While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustratedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision avariety of other means and/or structures for performing the functionand/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantagesdescribed herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications isdeemed to be within the scope of the invent of embodiments describedherein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciatethat all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations describedherein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters,dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon thespecific application or applications for which the inventive teachingsis/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able toascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalentsto the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is,therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presentedby way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claimsand equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practicedotherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventiveembodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individualfeature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein.In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent,is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood tocontrol over dictionary definitions, definitions in documentsincorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the definedterms. The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in thespecification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase“and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, shouldbe understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined,i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases anddisjunctively present in other cases.

Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the samefashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Otherelements may optionally be present other than the elements specificallyidentified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to thoseelements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, areference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-endedlanguage such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only(optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, toB only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet anotherembodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should beunderstood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. Forexample, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall beinterpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, butalso including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and,optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated tothe contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when usedin the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactlyone element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or”as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusivealternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded byterms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or“exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims,shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “atleast one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should beunderstood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more ofthe elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including atleast one of each and every element specifically listed within the listof elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the listof elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally bepresent other than the elements specifically identified within the listof elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether relatedor unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as anon-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “atleast one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) canrefer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including morethan one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements otherthan B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally includingmore than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionallyincluding more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including morethan one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one stepor act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarilylimited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method arerecited.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitionalphrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,”“containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are tobe understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limitedto. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases,respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual ofPatent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

The foregoing description of several methods and an embodiment of theinvention has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise stepsand/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variationsare possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that thescope of the invention and all equivalents be defined by the claimsappended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tie plate sorter, comprising: a receiver havinga shape which is rotatable; a drive assembly to rotate said receiver; afirst axial end wall and a second axial end wall of said receiver and atleast one side extending between said first and second axial end walls;a plurality of magnetic retaining mechanisms positioned about said atleast one side; said magnetic retaining mechanisms selectively releasingtie plates from inside of said receiver.
 2. The tie plate sorter ofclaim 1, said receiver being substantially circular.
 3. The tie platesorter of claim 1, further comprising driving rings near said axial endwalls.
 4. The tie plate sorter of claim 1, further comprising aplurality of switches disposed on said receiver, said switches poweringon or powering off said magnetic retaining mechanism.
 5. The tie platesorter of claim 1, further comprising at least one aperturecorresponding to said plurality of magnetic retaining mechanisms.
 6. Thetie plate sorter of claim 5, further comprising a path defined througheach of said at least one aperture.
 7. The tie plate sorter of claim 6,further comprising a member spaced from said at least one aperture. 8.The tie plate sorter of claim 1, one of said axial end walls having aninput aperture which receives tie plates into said receiver.
 9. The tieplate sorter of claim 1, further comprising an output conveyor whichreceives said tie plates from said receiver.
 10. The tie plate sorter ofclaim 9, said output conveyor extending into said receiver to receivesaid tie plates.
 11. The tie plate sorter of claim 9, said outputconveyor disposed along an exterior of said receiver.
 12. A tie platesorter, comprising: a rotatable receiver having at least one side; aplurality of apertures disposed in said receiver; a magnetic retainingmechanism adjacent to at least one of said plurality of apertures; amember adjacent to said magnetic retaining mechanism, said member offsetfrom an inner surface of at least one side, said member defining apocket.
 13. The tie plate sorter of claim 12, said plurality ofapertures spaced apart circumferentially about said receiver.
 14. Thetie plate sorter of claim 12, said magnetic retaining mechanism being anelectromagnet.
 15. The tie plate sorter of claim 12, further comprisinga motor to rotate said receiver.
 16. The tie plate sorter of claim 12,said magnetic retaining mechanism releasing a tie plate from saidpocket.
 17. A tie plate sorter, comprising: a receiver having at leastone side and first and second ends, said at least one side extendingbetween said ends; at least one of said ends having a hole to receivesaid tie plates; a plurality of apertures disposed in said side to allowtie plates to pass from an interior of said receiver to an exterior ofsaid receiver; at least one electromagnet disposed adjacent to saidapertures to controllably release said tie plates from said receiver.18. The tie plate sorter of claim 17, further comprising a plurality ofswitches which actuate said at least one electromagnet.
 19. The tieplate sorter of claim 17, said at least one electromagnet being actuateddepending on a rotational position of said receiver.
 20. A method ofoperating a tie plate sorter, comprising: rotating a tie plate receiver;depositing a plurality of tie plates in said tie plate receiver;magnetically retaining said tie plates in pockets disposed about saidreceiver; actuating off at least one magnet when said tie plates in saidpockets reach a preselected position; depositing said tie plates on anoutput conveyor.
 21. The method of claim 20, said tie plates beingsorted when deposited on said output conveyor.